TMLOP 36

Chapter 36

 Your Turn

To be honest… Yenelof thought he could manipulate Senelia with ease.

But instead, he was the one who got completely read by Senelia.

Like many others, Yenelof had looked down on her—someone who had been by the Grand Duke’s side for so long yet failed to capture his heart.

That was his arrogance. And his misjudgment.

Senelia must have been just as startled as Yenelof when she was suddenly tested by the Emperor.

But while she remained calm and assessed the situation rationally, Yenelof had failed to do so.

That was the difference between them.

Senelia possessed the calm and rationality to assess and respond even in unexpected situations.

Those were the very qualities she had learned over the past eight years—years that Yenelof had laughed off.

Yenelof bowed his head.

Senelia probably already guessed what he was thinking.

After all, reading people’s intentions must be second nature to someone who had spent eight years carefully placating both Benelucia and the Emperor Cliff.

“…I’m sorry, Lady Daphne.”

So Yenelof couldn’t even lift his face.

It felt like the ugliest parts of him had been laid bare.

But Senelia, for her part, was just as surprised.

She had never expected an apology from Yenelof.

She had spent eight long years loving only one person, to the point others called her foolish.

And she had endured that scorn.

After all, they would never understand why she had to go to such lengths—so she had no choice but to bear it.

But now, for the first time, someone had realized the reason and apologized.

That alone was enough to make Senelia want to cry again.

Others might call Yenelof a villain because of his past lies.

But for Senelia, this was the first time in eight years—and just this one apology was enough to stop her from seeing him as truly bad.

And that made it harder.

He had made a mistake but also offered an apology—just a very ordinary, human thing to do.

And that made him resemble the ideal person she once longed for.

Senelia quickly turned her head away from Yenelof.

He couldn’t be her person. The only one who could was the man chosen by the Emperor.

“…Then, I’ll leave it to you, Young Master.”

Senelia’s voice was softer now, weaker than before.

It was her final courtesy to the ideal she once longed for.

“Senelia!”

As Benelucia grabbed her arm, Senelia immediately realized that Yenelof had delivered her message.

Of course, she hadn’t expected Benelucia to grab her in public, with so many eyes on them.

Inside, she was flustered. This was her father’s funeral, after all.

“Talk with me.”

Benelucia’s face looked desperate—tinged with excitement. Just as she had hoped, there was a glimmer of hope in his expression.

Senelia hesitated only for a moment. But she couldn’t let this opportunity slip.

She firmly pushed Benelucia’s hand away.

“I’m sorry, Your Grace. But I have nothing to say to you.”

It was as if she wanted to follow him—but wouldn’t.

If things stay like this, I’ll have to keep rejecting you. So, if you want to keep holding on to me… you’ll need to do more.

It was a quiet challenge.

Everyone attending the funeral turned their eyes on Benelucia and Senelia in surprise.

First, because the Grand Duke, who never chased after anyone, looked completely obsessed.

Second, because she was the one rejecting him.

As Senelia’s hand pushed him away, Benelucia hesitated briefly before walking over to Viscountess Chaktakja.

“Viscountess, I’d like to borrow Selly for a moment.”

The Grand Duke… was asking a mere viscountess for permission. In front of everyone.

People gaped at him, then quickly glanced at the Emperor for his reaction.

Of course, the Viscountess couldn’t refuse.

But more than that, everyone was on edge—afraid that the Emperor might scold the Grand Duke for damaging the dignity of the royal family.

However, the Emperor wasn’t looking at Benelucia.

He was looking at the Viscountess.

Which meant—he was taking his younger brother’s side.

The Viscountess’s face paled under the pressure of both men’s gazes.

Senelia’s face also stiffened.

Why did Benelucia always choose the worst option?

Of all things, you had to bring my mother into this—to prove why I won’t accept you?

Senelia’s stomach churned with frustration.

As if dragging her out quietly wasn’t enough, he had to cause a scene at her father’s funeral and involve her mother too?

Her mood twisted sharply.

You think if you just persuade my mother, I’ll give in? Just because you assume I love you?

Benelucia had a real talent for turning her world upside down.

“Your Majesty, I heard that Sir Elian has returned,” Senelia said, stepping slightly to block her mother from Benelucia and the Emperor’s view.

Another ripple spread across the room at her revelation—most hadn’t known.

Senelia clenched her trembling fingers into a fist.

Maybe—since she revealed this without the Emperor’s permission—he might punish her.

So this wasn’t just an impulsive outburst. It was something Senelia had resolved herself to say.

“Selly…!”

Benelucia was flustered, raising his voice. But Senelia didn’t stop.

“It means, Your Majesty no longer needs to act this way toward me.”

That brazen statement drew all eyes to Senelia.

It was something many nobles may have suspected but dared not speak.

The belief that the Grand Duke hadn’t gotten engaged because he still couldn’t forget Lucalina, the woman he loved as a child. That rumor had long been treated as truth.

But no one had ever dared say it aloud.

Until now.

“…You really…”

Benelucia ran his hand through his hair roughly, biting his lip to hold something back.

Everyone thought this day was just full of surprises.

It was common knowledge that Lucalina was Benelucia’s greatest sore spot.

“…I was wrong. So please, talk to me, Selly.”

But the surprises weren’t over.

Benelucia raised both hands in surrender.

Senelia let out a small sigh of relief inside. Now, she had earned a little forgiveness from the Emperor.

Even though she had recklessly announced Lucalina’s return, Benelucia had publicly shown that Senelia mattered more.

“…Let’s move somewhere else first.”

Senelia nodded, feigning reluctance. Provoking Benelucia further now would serve no purpose.

“Sorry for the disturbance, Viscountess.”

Benelucia finally turned and apologized to her mother. That apology meant a lot.

Senelia found herself staring at him.

Thanks to his apology, others at the funeral wouldn’t dare gossip about what had happened.

No one would dare speak ill of the Grand Duke’s mistakes.

Benelucia extended a hand toward Senelia.

“Let’s go, Selly.”

The only reason the Grand Duke would humble himself and apologize to someone of lower status… was for Senelia.

That gave her a strange feeling.

So this is what you’re like when you love someone.

Senelia took his hand and followed him.

The feeling wasn’t entirely unpleasant.

But it wasn’t entirely good either.

She didn’t even know why.

“I’m sorry. I caused a scene on purpose.”

As soon as they were alone, Benelucia apologized.

“…What do you mean?”

“I thought… if I made a big enough scene, the Viscountess wouldn’t blame you.”

Senelia fell silent.

It was absurd—and yet, she couldn’t deny he had a point.

After today, her mother wouldn’t blame her for going to the capital.

With the Grand Duke and the Emperor both pressuring her like that, how could she refuse?

“But still… it was my father’s funeral…”

“I know. It was wrong.”

Benelucia agreed readily to her accusation.

As she was left speechless again, he suddenly stepped closer.

“I warned you. I said I was going to start doing things my way.”

Before she knew it, his arm slipped around her waist with practiced ease.

His golden hair brushed her face as he pulled her close.

“Come back to the capital with me.”

He whispered.

It was the last day of the funeral. Senelia needed to decide where to go next.

“I swear, I’ll never leave you again for Lucalina.”

It seemed he wanted to convince her with everything he had.

He must have been referring to the day Lucalina returned.

“I’ll handle persuading the Viscountess myself. And if I can’t… I’ll take all her hatred on myself.”

His voice was endlessly gentle.

“If you don’t want to marry me right away, that’s fine too.”

He lowered his head slightly, close enough for their noses to brush. His silver eyes shimmered.

“I’m taking you with me.”

He slowly intertwined his fingers with hers.

That ticklish warmth spread from their fingertips.

“So just tell me you don’t hate it.”

His final words… were a plea.